UCD Students Take Action Against Oppressive Deportation Regime

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | news report

Monday February 16, 2004 21:33

by UCD student

McDowell Goons Jostle Students in Peaceful Protest

Activists within UCD's Anti-Deportation Campaign and sympathisers staged an effective protest action against Minister for Justice Michael McDowell in Belfield today. McDowell came to speak to a UCD Young PD's talk on regulating bouncers. However, it was McDowell himself who needed approximately 25 Gardaí and hired security men who jostled the peaceful activists.

This was the second protest of the year by the Anti-Deportation Campaign (ADC) against McDowell and his opressive policies of deportation. Last week's deportation of 60 "illegals" was just another brick in the wall of Fortress Ireland, a society based not on the social, economic and cultural benefits brought by asylum-seekers, but on fear, intolerance and pathetic rabble-rousing.

McDowell's arrival came in the middle of UCD's election season, but despite many of the activists being involved in the respective campaigns, approximately 35 students blocked McDowell's entry to Theatre R in the Arts Block before being pushed out of the way by Gardaí and security men. During his address to the Young Progressive Democrats he entered into debate with a number of activists from the ADC.

Following the YPD meeting McDowell was taken from the theatre through another door but was followed by the protestors, who lined his route and slowed his progress considerably. McDowell was ferried into a paddy wagon, having arrived in his Government Merc, but his way was blockaded by students for several minutes.

The Minister tried to laugh off some of the taunts but was clearly shaken by the experience. McDowell had previously referred to this year's Students' Union as a "right shower of cunts" at a Law Society Reception following the first ADC protest against him last year. Perhaps the former Attorney General may come up with a more eloquent slur for the peaceful protest this time around.